Treacle tart

A classic British open tart with a shortcrust base and a sticky filling of golden syrup thickened with breadcrumbs.

Treacle tart: A round shortcrust tart with a glossy golden-amber golden syrup and breadcrumb filling, topped with a pastry lattice, one slice cut away.
  • Traditional and regional desserts
  • United Kingdom

Treacle tart is made by lining a tart pan with shortcrust pastry and filling it with golden syrup mixed with fresh white breadcrumbs, often brightened with lemon or orange juice and zest. Some recipes add a little black treacle, egg or ginger for depth. The tart is baked until the filling is set and golden, and it is often finished with a lattice of pastry strips.

The breadcrumbs soak up the syrup and give the filling a soft, chewy texture under a slightly crisp top. Treacle tart is served warm as a pudding, usually with custard, cream or ice cream, or cold in slices at teatime.

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Sources

Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

  1. Treacle tart | Recipes | National Trust, National Trust